Farcical 'Fox' delivers on gropes and groans

Hmm, golf? I’ve never played golf. In fact, I’ve never even been to a golf course that wasn’t of the mini- variety.

So when the curtain rose on “The Fox on the Fairway,” -- George Street Playhouse's new golf-themed farce -- I was a little concerned that the humor would evade me. After all, what do I know about “links,” “scratches” and “traps?”

But Peter Scolari (yes, of “Bosom Buddies” fame) and crew delivered an indiscriminately funny performance. No previous golf knowledge required.

Yes, playwright Ken Ludwig’s tale of the more-than-dysfunctional crew of the Quail Valley Country Club makes for great comedy on its own, but the acting -- which includes Reggie Gowland as Justin, Amy Hohn as Pamela, Michael Mastro as Dickie, and Mary Testa as Muriel -- is what brought it all home.

From line delivery to facial expressions, and of course, body language, each actor just nailed it during our Sunday-afternoon matinee. Most charming of all is Lisa McCormick as Louise, a woman reminiscent in affectation of Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods: bubbly, seemingly dimwitted, and absolutely adorable.

The story kicks off with Louise accepting a marriage proposal from her beau Justin in the club’s tap room, and quickly moves to the nervous entrance of Mr. Bingham (Scolari). Bingham is a-flurry with energy incited by the tournament about to begin against its archrival, Crouching Squirrel Country Club.

With little time to spare, Bingham has learned from the other club’s director that Quail Valley’s best golfer has joined up with the Crouching Squirrels. In saunters Pamela with an unintentional solution. Justin -- the boy just hired as Bingham’s assistant -- is actually a golf phenom and a sure-fire bet to lead Quail Valley to its first victory over Crouching Squirrel in five years!

But the tournament itself is soon lost in a whirlwind of ridiculously hued golf apparel, equally gaudy antiques, and cleavage, as we learn that Justin simply can’t perform under stress. The rest of the story unfolds as Bingham and Pamela desperately try to restore order.

With lots of slapstick humor and physical comedy throughout, a long-harbored secret is unveiled, love is rekindled, all is forgiven (even the seemingly unforgivable sweaters), and eighteen rounds of hysterically funny grand golf are played.

And still, there’s a surprise ending!

As is par for the course, the set created by the staff at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse is remarkable, as is the work of David Saint -- the theatre’s long-time artistic director.

The Fox on the Fairway runs through April 23rd. Tickets are available from $41.50 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.georgestreetplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 732-246-7717.